Author: Brian

Follower of Jesus, Husband, Dad, Grandpa, and Pastor

Song of Solomon: A Love Poem

On By BrianIn OT Studies

(1-8) Read through the entire book.  Do you think this book is primarily a love poem about a young man and a young woman or an allegory about Christ and His church?  Why?

What do you think the human author intended this book to be?

(1-8) Starting with the love poem interpretation, what is God telling us about romantic, even sexual, love within marriage?

(1-2, 5-6, 8) What are some tips we might we learn about marriage from this young couple’s example?

8:6-7 –

6:3, 2:16 –

5:16 –

2:10 & 13 –

2:2-3 –

1:9 –

(2, 3, 8) What instruction is given three times in this book (2:7, 3:5, 8:4)?  Why is this instruction more helpful than just instructing youth/singles to not have sex outside of marriage?

(1-8) Throughout the Old Testament, marriage is a picture of God’s relationship with Israel.  In the New Testament, marriage is a picture of Christ and His church.  How might we apply the following passages to our relationship with the Lord?

1:2 (see Psalm 63:3) –

2:10 & 13 –

2:16, 6:3 –

3:1-3 (see Psalm 63:1) –

8:6-7 –

Sermon Songs: Revelation 4

On By BrianIn Revelation Hymns

MusicNotes

Behold in heaven stands the throne
Of God in His glory
Rich and brilliant like precious stone
In splendor and beauty
Lightning and thunder from the throne
Announce coming judgment
But faithful mercy to His own
With whom He is present

Around the throne four Living Ones
Cry “Lord God Almighty
Who was and is and is to come
Holy, holy, holy”
The Elders join and cry “Worthy
Is He who makes all things
All power, honor, and glory”
Now lift your voice and sing!

Holy, holy, holy, holy
Holy, holy, holy
Is our Lord God Almighty
Who reigns eternally
Worthy, worthy, worthy, worthy
Is our Creator King
All power, honor, and glory
Let all creation sing!

To the tune of “We Sing The Greatness Of Our God”

Reflections on Ecclesiastes 10-12

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

The writer continues to share wisdom, finally coming to his conclusion.

  • Remember your Creator – We are to remember our Creator (12:1). We ought to enjoy the good days that God gives us, and live in the reverent fear of God who will judge us (11:9).  If we begin this in our youth, it will help us later when days are tough.  Are you living each day remembering your Creator?  In what ways?
  • Fear God and keep his commands – What is life all about? Apart from God, all is vanity (12:8).  The conclusion is to fear God and keep his commands (12:13).  Live your life in reference to God.  In what ways are you doing this?  This is the path of wisdom and satisfaction.

Revelation Quote

On By BrianIn Revelation Quotes

RevQuotes

The word must is important. The concern of this book is not with things which simply will happen, as though the future were of absorbing interest in itself.  It is rather taken up with things which must happen, the outworking of the divine will.  God is in supreme control.  John is not writing about matters of chance, but about events which will certainly occur, for they are part of the divine plan.

– Leon Morris on Revelation 4:1 in The Revelation of St. John (TNTC)

Reflections on Ecclesiastes 7-9

On By BrianIn OT Reflections1 Comment

The writer compares wisdom and folly.

  • Listening – It is good to hear the rebuke of the wise (7:5). Yet we should not take to heart all that people say of us (7:21-22).  When has a rebuke been helpful to you?  What has a criticism hurt you?  What is the difference between the two?  How do you need to apply these verses today?
  • Sin – God created us upright, but we have left wisdom to chase after many schemes (7:29). There are none who always do good and never sin (7:20).  How do you see these truths in your life?  Are you daily looking to Jesus for forgiveness?